The Descendants Project

06/25/2026

06/25/2026

We're so grateful for the wisdom shared at the 51st Annual Natural Hazards Workshop, including this reminder from Keynote speaker Jo Banner of The Descendants Project.

06/19/2026

This Juneteenth, we honor the strength, sacrifice, and legacy of those who came before us. As descendants, we carry the responsibility to preserve our history, protect our communities, and continue the fight for justice, equity, and freedom. Our ancestors dreamed of the future we are building today. ✊🏾❤️💚🖤

06/13/2026

We’re honored to partner with whitneyplantation for their annual Juneteenth Celebration on Saturday, June 13th. Join us for a special day uplifting Black contributions to history, especially the many fights for our freedom from the past to current day.

06/11/2026

Correcting News Examiner Article

06/10/2026

FREE electric fan giveaway!!!

With temperatures on the rise, we want 70090 residents to stay cool. To claim your fan, please bring an ID or piece of mail that establishes residency. One fan per resident while supplies last.

Upon arrival, you will have the option to complete a brief, voluntary survey about your home and connection to the community for a chance to be entered into a raffle to win a generator. The survey will help support ongoing efforts to document and preserve the history of our community. Participation in the survey is completely optional and is not required to receive a fan.

📍 Wallace, Louisiana
🗓 Thursday June 11 & Friday June 12
⏰ 2pm-6pm (Thurs) & 9am-12pm (Fri)

Call or text (225) 623-6284 to pick-up in Wallace.

06/10/2026

🎞️ Join us tomorrow for an exclusive screening of CNN Original Series This Land at Laura Plantation from 6:30 PM–8:30 PM.

The episode features The Descendants Project founders and co-directors, Jo and Joy Banner, sharing the story of their ancestor, Big Anthony, who was once enslaved at Laura Plantation. Following the screening, guests will have the opportunity to participate in a panel discussion reflecting on the history, legacy, and continued impact of slavery in our communities.

"As the country commemorates the 250th anniversary of its independence, we're honored to center the story of our ancestor, Big Anthony, who, like many others in this country, endured the painful bo***ge of slavery, deprived of the freedom our country now celebrates," says Jo Banner.

Tickets are required, and light refreshments will be served.

👉 Link to register in bio.

06/05/2026

📺 Premiere — Sunday, June 7, 8:00 PM CST / 9:00 PM EST
🎞 Exclusive screening — Thursday, June 11, 6:30–8:30 PM at Laura Plantation

Watch CNN Original Series This Land on Sunday at 8:00 PM CST on CNN, featuring The Descendants Project founders Jo and Joy Banner as they recount the moving legacy of their ancestor Big Anthony, who was once enslaved at Laura Plantation.

To coincide with the broadcast, The Descendants Project and Laura Plantation will host a special screening and panel on June 11 from 6:30–8:30 PM at Laura Plantation. Tickets required. Light refreshments will be served.
👉️ Register here: https://buff.ly/LSlLkDh

“As the country commemorates the 250th anniversary of its independence, we’re honored to center the story of our ancestor, Big Anthony, who, like many others in this country, endured the painful bo***ge of slavery, deprived of the freedom our country now celebrates,” says Jo Banner.

06/04/2026

Yesterday, TDP staff had an amazing and fulfilling time with Louisiana Just Recovery Network and Rural Roots Next Gen Camp to help package food for our communities. 💚

The students were incredible, bringing enthusiasm, teamwork, and a strong commitment to service throughout the day. Together, we packaged 191 one-pound bags of pinto beans and 96 one-pound bags of red beans, helping support food access efforts across the region.

Thank you to everyone who volunteered their time and energy to make a difference. It is inspiring to see young people stepping up to serve their communities and create positive change.

06/03/2026

A few weeks ago, our Co-Directors, Jo and Joy Banner, were filmed at Woodland Plantation & Cultural Museum as part of a conversation highlighting the work of The Descendants Project, environmental justice, and the realities of being African American in America as the country reflects on its 250-year history.